Shahid Afridi Criticizes PCB After Pakistan’s Disastrous Champions Trophy
Former captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the team’s winless run at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Under Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership, Pakistan suffered heavy defeats against India and New Zealand, while rain washed out their match against Bangladesh. The team ended the tournament at the bottom of Group A with just one point.
Afridi believes the root cause of Pakistan’s struggles lies in PCB’s lack of continuity and consistency. He compared the team’s current state to a patient in the ICU, blaming poor decision-making and frequent changes in leadership for the crisis.
Afridi Calls Out PCB’s Failures
Afridi accused the PCB of mismanagement and instability, pointing out how frequent captaincy and coaching changes have weakened the team.
The former all-rounder emphasized that without stability, no team can perform consistently. He questioned why PCB officials are never held accountable for their decisions, despite making abrupt and disruptive changes.
Read: Andy Roberts Criticizes ICC for Favoring India in Cricket Decisions
Blame Game Hurting Pakistan Cricket
Afridi also criticized the ongoing blame game between players, coaches, and management. He expressed disappointment over coaches blaming players to save their jobs, while management shifts responsibility to protect their positions.
This toxic environment, according to Afridi, prevents the team from focusing on improvement and instead creates uncertainty and fear within the squad.
Pakistan Prepares for New Zealand Tour
Despite the Champions Trophy debacle, Pakistan now shifts focus to their tour of New Zealand. The team, missing several senior players, will play five T20Is and three ODIs. The first match is set to take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 16.
With pressure mounting, the tour provides an opportunity for young players to prove their potential. However, Afridi insists that without structural changes and better planning, Pakistan cricket will continue to struggle on the international stage.
